The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching. Any opportunity to add depth to the roster could help the Pittsburgh Steelers carry momentum into the upcoming weeks. Especially after a slew of injuries depleted Mike McCarthy’s highly anticipated wide receiving core.
According to CBS Sports’ Carter Bahns, Omar Khan cannot sit still if he wants to give his franchise the best chance to compete. Bahns believes a trade for Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Jr. is plausible. But would the gamble provide long-term benefits?
I absolutely believe it would.
Let’s be honest. There’s a wide receiver crisis in Pittsburgh. Injuries are pulling McCarthy’s offense further from a solution. Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (hand) were both recently placed on injured reserve. The wideouts are expected to miss a few weeks, leaving Rodgers with limited targets to move the chains. Ben Skowronek’s (calf) return to the gridiron is also questionable.
In the midst of uncertainty, X-factors like Germie Bernard have risen to the occasion. Currently, Pittsburgh’s second-round pick ranks third in receiving yards (227) and second in receptions (24) among rookie wideouts. Sure, it’s nice to see the former Alabama standout make an impact early in his career. But it would be nice if other breakout performances complemented his role.
Unfortunately, those showings have been scarce for Pittsburgh’s wideouts recently. Last weekend, Aaron Rodgers only completed passes to two wide receivers. DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard each earned eleven receptions.
Their contributions helped McCarthy’s squad achieve victory. But it will not be enough to outlast opponents consistently.
That’s where Godwin Jr. comes in.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should consider trading for Chris Godwin Jr to strengthen depleted WR depth
Veteran experience and a hunger to win can become an irresistible combination for NFL front offices. It also describes what teams would receive if they invested in the former Penn State standout. Since 2017, Godwin Jr. has developed a reputation for having active hands, a versatile route tree, and being a physical runner after the catch. He’s earned 7,842 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns while averaging 12.3 yards per reception throughout his career.
An impressive resume, including a victory during Super Bowl LV, will make the 6'2" WR attractive to franchises desperate for more offensive firepower. But a slew of injuries could be a deterrent for front offices interested in long-term yield. Since 2024, the Pro Bowl wideout has missed 18 games due to a dislocated ankle and a fibula injury.
Those setbacks can derail a career. But Godwin Jr. is determined to prove the time off was only a minor setback. This season, the former third-round pick has earned 23 receptions and 216 receiving yards. Baker Mayfield’s dislocated right thumb forced Tampa Bay to play Jalon Daniels during the last three games.
As a result, the Buccaneers are currently 1-5 at the bottom of the NFC South. It wouldn’t surprise me if Tampa Bay’s front office begins to evaluate potential trades if the season continues to disappoint.
And that’s great news for Omar Khan.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in rostering a wideout who will make an immediate impact, Godwin Jr. is the guy to call. He’s played alongside Mike Evans and Tom Brady in previous seasons. So adjusting to Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf would not be as difficult as it would be for players unaccustomed to the pedigree of greatness.
The decision to trade for Chris Godwin Jr. must be well thought out before action can be taken. The veteran signed a three-year, $66 million deal in March 2025. If Pittsburgh traded for Godwin, they would inherit the remainder of his unpaid base salary. It’s a steep price for a wideout with recent injuries.
But the Steelers do not have many options. Until their receiving core returns to full health, Chris Godwin Jr. should be an option on the table.
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